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Each week a small segment of Vernon County history is published in the county papers.
For the week of 5/24/2026
by Bridget Van Beckum, assistant curator
Next week on Tuesday, June 2, we will be holding an America@250 Community Conversation at the Vernon County Museum and History Center at 6:30PM. This event was designed by PBS Wisconsin as a way to involve community members in celebrating our country’s 250th anniversary. Since it’s so different from our usual monthly programs, we thought we would use this opportunity to answer a few possible questions that you might have, such as...
What is it?
The Community Conversation is a free program designed to help members of the community connect with each other and reflect on our country’s history. We will start by watching a short clip from Ken Burns’ documentary, The American Revolution. We will then break into guided, small-group discussions to talk about the ideas and concepts that have shaped America in the past 250 years, and what it means to be an American.
Who are the facilitators?
Our two facilitators are Jennifer Morales of the Driftless Writing Center, and Brian Ekern, Vice President of the Vernon County Historical Society. Both have ample expertise and with their guidance, the discussions are sure to be informative and meaningful for everyone.
How long will it be?
PBS suggests a length of about two hours for this event, but that’s only an estimate. The video clip we will be watching is roughly 25 minutes long, but the rest of the program is somewhat flexible. We will be sure to not go over two hours, and if the conversation comes to a natural stopping point before that, the program may end a little earlier.
If I don’t know much about the Revolution, can I still come?
Yes! This event is open to anyone. The questions and topics we will be discussing are fairly broad and open-ended, so you don’t need to have any preexisting knowledge on the subject. The video clip will provide a basic groundwork for the discussion. This is not a historical lecture or a political debate, but simply an opportunity to get to know other members of the community, listen to their perspectives, and share your own.
Can I come and just observe/listen? I’m interested but don’t really want to talk.
Yes. Everyone will be encouraged to participate because your thoughts and opinions are valuable, but you won’t be forced to speak if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. The conversation is simply about listening to and connecting with your neighbors on our shared experiences of living in present-day America – something we all should be able to relate to.
Do I have to sign up in advance?
No, but it would be helpful for us to know how many people are coming, especially because we plan to provide popcorn and want to make sure there will be enough for everyone! If you plan on attending and would like to RSVP, you may let us know by phone, email, or by clicking “going” on our Facebook event. However, it is by no means required. Even if you didn’t RSVP, you are still more than welcome to come!
Will it be recorded?
No – PBS advises against recording this program as it relies entirely on community participation. If we were to record the discussion, it may make participants feel more self-aware and less willing to speak up. This is a one-time only event, so you’ll have to make sure you attend if you don’t want to miss it!
Hopefully this has helped to clear up any questions or concerns you may have had about this event. Now that you know more about what to expect, we hope to see you there! Or, if you’d prefer a more traditional program about the 250th, be sure to join us on July 21 at 6PM to hear Prof. Daniel Kapust present on “The Idea of America and the Constitutional Debates.”
For the week of 5/17/2026
by Kristen Parrott, curator
The historic Sherry-Butt House museum will open for the summer season on Memorial Day weekend, May 23, 24, and 25. The house is located at 795 N. Main St. in Viroqua, just south of the Vernon County fairgrounds. It is open to the public for tours from 1 to 5PM on Saturdays and Sundays in the summer, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, plus the Mondays for both holiday weekends.
Built for the Cyrus and Margaret Butt family shortly after the Civil War, the home was then purchased in the 1940’s by Orbec and Hilda Sherry. The Vernon County Historical Society purchased the house in 1989 and turned it into a museum. It is furnished primarily in the style of the 1890’s, and features stories about the Butt and Sherry families as well as other local people.
Admission to tour the Sherry-Butt House is $5, but free for children under age 9. You can learn more about the house from our website, where you can see photos of the interior and of the people who lived there, and read essays about the residents.
On Friday, May 29, the Vernon County Historical Society will be the featured non-profit at Sittin Pretty Farm’s pizza night from 5 to 8PM. The farm is located six miles southwest of Viroqua on Co. NN, at S5990 Chamberlain Ridge Ln. Wood-fired pizza made from scratch with local ingredients is on the menu every Friday night all summer, with local musicians providing live music. On May 29, VCHS volunteers will help make the pizza, and a portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit our organization. You can learn more and order ahead at the farm’s website.
Spring hours at the Vernon County Museum and History Center are Monday through Friday, 11AM to 4PM. These hours continue through the end of May. Beginning in June, we will add Saturdays, from 10AM to 2PM. As always, we are also open by appointment, if the regular public hours aren’t convenient for you. Contact us at 608-637-7396 or museum@vernoncountyhistory.org to schedule an appointment.
Remember that an America@250 Community Conversation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, from 6:30 to 8:30PM at the Vernon County Museum and History Center. This free two-hour program, designed by PBS Wisconsin, will begin with a short clip from Ken Burns’ documentary, The American Revolution. We will then break into guided, small-group discussions to talk about the concepts and ideas that have shaped America since its inception. Advance registration is appreciated but not required. Email or call us to sign up.
The genealogy class is taking a field trip to the Wisconsin Historical Society’s library and archives in Madison on Thursday, June 11. The class is renting a van, and the cost will be around $25 each. The van will leave the museum in Viroqua at 8AM, and will leave Madison at 4:30PM. You can spend the day in Madison doing your own research projects at the library and archives. Please email or call us soon to reserve your spot for this trip.
Food preparation tools cover one wall of the kitchen
at the historic Sherry-Butt House. Visitors can guess what the tools are,
and then check their answers against the provided key.
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